Here is a very interesting and rare French gramophone.
The Pathe "Saphone" was a machine introduced by Pathe in about 1910 and later sold as the Pathe "Elf". It is one of the most attractive of all table top gramophones with a very classical design. The lid contains a hemispherical bowl (made from moulded re-used records according to some sources) and the sound is projected into it in a reflex manner rather like the system used in later Decca models. The bowl is painted to simulate a wood effect.
The original Pathe sound-box used has a sapphire stylus and the machine is designed to play "Hill-and-Dale" records. Unlike standard gramophones that use steel needles, the sapphire does not have to be changed after each playing and can last for years.
A disappointing feature of the gramophone's design is that the tone-arm and sound-box must be detached to enable the lid to close! However this is a lovely classic gramophone in excellent condition.
Price:£480.00 